Chapel Singers Enchant Audience in Final Evensong Performance of the Semester

Hannah Smith ’26

Arts & Entertainment Editor

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Trinity’s Chapel Singers had their final Evensong performance of the semester. Evensong is the Christian tradition of sung prayer meant to mark the end of the day and ring in the evening. People of all religious backgrounds are welcome to spend an hour of their day in the Chapel listening to beautiful, melodic singing to meditate and rest after a long day.

In an interview with the Tripod, the director of Chapel Music and Trinity College alum, Christopher Houlihan ’09, discussed this Evensong performance: “When I returned to Trinity in 2017 as director of Chapel Music, I worked with the then-chaplain to reintroduce this tradition at our college. The Chapel Singers now offer Evensong a few times each semester. It is a rewarding challenge for the group, which has to sing complex music for nearly 45 minutes straight. It also provides my organ students training in accompanying choirs in this type of setting, a valuable career skill.” Houlihan expressed how meaningful it is to be in the Chapel with its acoustics, and after having had the privilege of listening to the Chapel Singers at Evensong, I can attest to the incredible sound that radiates all around the Chapel, making for a truly extraordinary experience unlike anything I’ve ever heard, especially not on an idle Wednesday night in November.

When asked about Trinity’s Chapel Singers, Houlihan responded, “The Chapel Singers was founded in 1825 to sing services in the Chapel at Trinity’s first campus. The group is comprised of about 24 undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines. We rehearse three times a week. The group sings at major college occasions, in concerts, and at chapel services including Evensong and the popular Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols, coming up on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 and 7 p.m.”

Regardless of the fact that Evensong is traditionally Christian, originating in 16th century England, everyone is more than welcome to attend the service. A large majority of Evensong is sung by the choir with a few moments of prayers as well as a gospel reading sprinkled throughout in between songs. Nearly every song is accompanied by the organ, composed by Elisabeth Kimble, William Henry Harris and Herbert Howells. Houlihan says, “Mostly, the choir does all the singing, but there are a couple of parts where everyone is invited to sing or recite together. It is also perfectly acceptable and encouraged to just listen, watch and experience Evensong on one’s own terms. Some prefer to sit with their eyes closed the entire time. The whole thing lasts about 45 minutes. It’s a peaceful way to end your day, or to transition into a long evening of study in the library!”

Evensong is offered three times in the spring 2025 semester: Feb. 12, April 2 and April 23 at 5:15 p.m. All are welcome to fade into the evening and wind down after a long, stressful day of work by supporting and listening to the amazing Chapel Singers. And don’t forget to get in the holiday spirit at this year’s Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 and 7 p.m.